Funded Grants

For the Grantee

Regional Trail Grant Program

Program purpose:

To provide grants to local units of government to promote development of regionally significant trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area. Funding for this grant program is from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019.

Eligible projects:

Eligible projects include acquisition and development of trail facilities outside the seven-county metropolitan area that are considered of regional or statewide significance. Acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes. Development projects require a 20 year maintenance commitment by the project sponsor.

Eligible applicants:

Level of assistance:

Grants are reimbursement based up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, and recipients must provide a non-state cash match of at least 25 percent. Other state funds or grants, such as Parks and Trails Legacy Grants, or Metropolitan Council Grants cannot match these grants. Project costs must be incurred and paid before reimbursement can be made. Project costs become eligible for reimbursement once a contract agreement is established between the DNR and the grantee.

The minimum grant request is $5,000, and the maximum grant award is $250,000.

Grant funding available:

Anticipated funding available for FY 2016 is $1,005,000 from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds. This funding is divided between the Local Trail Connections Program and the Regional Trail Program.

Funding priorities:

Priority for trail project funding will be given to projects that develop trails of significant length. Significant considerations also include expected amount and type of use, and quality and attractiveness of natural and cultural resources.

Grant awards:

The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of 2015. Grant awards will be announced in July 2015.

Project period:

Funded projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been signed. All work funded with FY 2016 appropriations must be completed no later than June 30, 2017.

How to apply:

The completed application is due March 31, 2015. Grant application materials are linked below.